method for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients

ABSTRACT

A batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients is prepared in a mixer/feeder wagon ( 1 ) where the ingredients require respective predefined mixing periods during a mixing cycle in the mixer/feeder wagon ( 1 ). The mixer/feeder wagon ( 1 ) comprises a mixing compartment ( 14 ) in which a mixing rotor provided by a paddle mixer ( 17 ) is rotatably mounted. Stationary chopping blades ( 42 ) mounted in a base ( 43 ) of the mixing compartment ( 14 ) cooperate with the paddle mixer ( 17 ) for chopping fibrous material during the mixing cycle. The appropriate predefined mixing periods required for the respective ingredients are determined in order to avoid over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients, and the predefined mixing period is defined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) to which that ingredient is to be subjected. The duration of the mixing cycle is defined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) to which the ingredient which requires the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) is to be subjected. The ingredient which requires the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) is loaded into the mixing compartment ( 17 ) at the commencement of a mixing cycle. The counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment ( 14 ) are determined so that the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) remaining in the mixing cycle from the count at which each ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment ( 14 ) is equal to the predefined number of counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer ( 17 ) to which that ingredient is to be subjected by the paddle mixer ( 17 ).

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a batch ofanimal feed from a plurality of ingredients.

Mixer/feeder apparatus, in particular mixer/feeder wagons, are commonlyused for preparing batches of animal feed from ingredients. Typicalmixer/feeder wagons are disclosed in PCT Published ApplicationSpecification No. WO 96/32836 and British Patent Specification No.2,139,911. The advantage of preparing a batch of animal feed in suchmixer/feeder wagons is that once prepared, the mixer/feeder wagon can betrailed to the location at which the prepared animal feed is to bedispensed to the animals. Typically, where animals are housed in anintensive rearing unit, the animal feed may be dispensed along alongitudinally extending trough which is accessible by the animals. Inthe preparation of animal feed it is important to avoid both over-mixingand under-mixing of the animal feed in such mixer/feeder wagons.Under-mixing of the animal feed results in inadequate mixing of thefeed, and thereby allows animals to pick and choose the ingredients fromthe under-mixed batch of animal feed. For example, the animals may pickthe tasty bits of the animal feed, while leaving the not so tasty bits.This is undesirable, since it can lead to undernourishment andunderperformance of the animal, particularly from the point of view ofweight gain, in the case of beef cattle, and milk yield in the case ofmilking cows. Under-mixing of the ingredients in mixer/feeder wagons ofthe type disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO96/32836 can also result in the fibres of the fibrous ingredients beinginadequately chopped, and thus being of excessive lengths, which may besuch that the fibrous ingredients fail to stimulate optimum digestion ofthe nutrients of the animal feed in the animal's stomach. This, in turn,leads to inefficient conversion of the animal feed to weight gain in thecase of beef cattle, and to inefficient conversion to milk in the caseof milking cows.

Over-mixing of animal feed is also problematical, in that it can resultin deterioration of the animal feed, in particular, deterioration of thefibrous ingredients of the feed. This, in turn, can similarly result ininefficient conversion of the animal feed to weight gain, in the case ofbeef cattle, and inefficient conversion to milk in the case of milkingcows. Over-mixing of the fibrous ingredients can result in deteriorationof the structure of the fibrous ingredients, and can also result inexcessive reduction in the lengths of the fibres of the fibrousingredients. This is particularly so in the case of mixer/feeder wagonsof the type disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO96/32836. It has been found that any deterioration in the structure ofthe fibrous ingredients and any reduction in the length of the fibres ofthe fibrous ingredients below predefined minimum lengths, depending onthe fibrous ingredient, reduces the properties of the fibrousingredients to stimulate optimum digestion of the nutrients of theanimal feed in the animal's stomach. Any reduction in the digestion ofnutrients in animal feed leads to inefficient conversion of the animalfeed by the animal to weight gain in the case of beef cattle or to milkyield in the case of milking cows.

There is therefore a need for a method for preparing a batch of animalfeed from a plurality of ingredients which overcomes this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a method.

According to the invention there is provided a method for preparing abatch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients requiringrespective predefined mixing periods during a mixing cycle in amixer/feeder apparatus of the type comprising a mixing compartmentwithin which a mixing rotor is rotatably mounted for mixing theingredients therein, the method comprising:

-   -   selecting the ingredient requiring the largest predefined mixing        period, and determining the duration of the mixing cycle as the        predefined mixing period required by the selected ingredient        requiring the largest predefined mixing period,    -   determining a plurality of instants at which the respective        remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing        compartment of the mixer/feeder apparatus during the mixing        cycle, each instant of the respective determined instants being        determined so that the remaining duration of the mixing cycle at        that instant is substantially equal to the predefined mixing        period of the corresponding ingredient,    -   loading the selected ingredient with the largest predefined        mixing period into the mixing compartment at the commencement of        the mixing cycle, and    -   sequentially loading the remaining ingredients into the mixing        compartment at respective corresponding determined instants        during the mixing cycle.

Preferably, the commencement of the mixing cycle is determined as beingthe commencement of loading of the ingredient requiring the largestpredefined number of revolutions of the mixing rotor into the mixingcompartment. Advantageously, each determined instant is determined as afunction of a duration from the commencement of the mixing cycle.

Ideally, the duration of the mixing cycle is determined as a function ofthe operation of the mixing rotor, and preferably, the duration of themixing cycle is determined as a function of a number of revolutions ofthe mixing rotor.

In one embodiment of the invention each determined instant at which oneof the ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment isdetermined as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor.Preferably, each determined instant at which the corresponding one ofthe ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment isdetermined as a function of a number of revolutions of the mixing rotorfrom the commencement of the mixing cycle.

Preferably, the count of the revolutions of the mixing rotor of themixing cycle commences at the commencement of loading of the ingredientrequiring the largest predefined number of revolutions of the mixingrotor into the mixing compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing periods for therespective ingredients are determined. Advantageously, the predefinedmixing periods of the respective ingredients are determined as functionsof the operation of the mixing rotor. Advantageously, the predefinedmixing periods for the respective ingredients are determined as afunction of a number of revolutions of the mixing rotor.

In another embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing period towhich each ingredient is to be subjected is determined in order to avoidover-mixing of the ingredient, and preferably, the predefined mixingperiod to which each ingredient is to be subjected is determined inorder to avoid under-mixing of the ingredient.

Preferably, a fibrous ingredient of the batch of animal feed issubjected to chopping in the mixing compartment during mixing thereof inorder to reduce the length of the fibres of the fibrous ingredient.Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredientis determined in order to avoid over-chopping of the fibrous ingredient,and ideally, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredient isdetermined in order to avoid under-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.

Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredientis determined in order to avoid the length of the fibrous ingredientbeing reduced below a minimum predefined length, and preferably, thepredefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredient is determined inorder to avoid the length of the fibrous ingredient being greater than apredefined maximum length.

In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing period for thefibrous ingredient is determined in order that the fibre length of thefibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing cycle lies in the range of25 mm to 100 mm. Preferably, the predefined mixing period for thefibrous ingredient is determined in order that the fibre length of thefibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing cycle lies in the range of30 mm to 90 mm. Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for thefibrous ingredient is determined in order that the fibre length of thefibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing cycle lies in the range of50 mm to 80 mm.

In one embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients of the batchof animal feed comprises long cut grass silage.

In another embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients of thebatch of animal feed comprises short cut grass silage.

In a further embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients of thebatch of animal feed comprises maize silage.

In a still further embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients ofthe batch of animal feed comprises hay.

In a still further embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients ofthe batch of animal feed comprises straw.

In one embodiment of the invention the instants at which the respectiveingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment are determinedto allow for a loading period during which each ingredient is beingloaded into the mixing compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the ingredients ofthe batch of animal feed comprises soda grain.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one of the ingredientsof the batch of animal feed comprises a nutritional additive.

In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the ingredientsof the batch of animal feed comprises a nutritional concentrate.

In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the ingredientsof the batch of animal feed comprises an energy additive.

In a still further embodiment of the invention at least one of theingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises an energy concentrate.

In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing period to whichthe fibrous ingredient is to be subjected lies in the range of 30revolutions to 300 revolutions of the mixing rotor. Preferably, thepredefined mixing period to which the fibrous ingredient is to besubjected lies in the range of 100 revolutions to 200 revolutions of themixing rotor.

Typically, the ingredient which is to be subjected to the largestpredefined mixing period is a fibrous ingredient.

In one embodiment of the invention one of a visually perceptible and anaurally perceptible signal is produced to indicate the instants at whichthe respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartmentduring the mixing cycle. Preferably, one of a visually perceptiblesignal and an aurally perceptible signal is produced to indicate the endof the mixing cycle.

Advantageously, one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurallyperceptible signal is produced to indicate the imminent approach of theend of the mixing cycle.

Advantageously, one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurallyperceptible signal is produced to indicate when the weight of eachingredient loaded into the mixing compartment is equal to a requiredweight of that ingredient to prepare the batch of animal feed.

Ideally, one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurally perceptiblesignal is produced to indicate the imminent completion of loading ofeach ingredient into the mixing compartment.

Preferably, the weight of the respective ingredients in the mixingcompartment is monitored during loading of the ingredients therein.Advantageously, the number of revolutions of the mixing rotor aremonitored during the mixing cycle.

In one embodiment of the invention a device is provided for determiningthe instants at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded intothe mixing compartment in response to monitoring of the mixing rotor.

In another embodiment of the invention the ingredients of the batch ofanimal feed are mixed in the mixing compartment by a mixing rotorcomprising a paddle mixer. Preferably, the paddle mixer comprises atleast one elongated mixing paddle extending in a general directionlongitudinally relative to the rotational axis of the mixing rotor.

In another embodiment of the invention the paddle mixer co-operates witha chopping means for chopping a fibrous ingredient during mixingthereof. Preferably, the chopping means comprises a plurality ofstationary chopping blades axially spaced apart relative to therotational axis of the mixing rotor. Advantageously, each mixing paddleof the mixing rotor co-operates with at least some of the choppingblades for chopping the fibrous ingredient.

In another embodiment of the invention the mixer/feeder apparatuscomprises a dispensing compartment communicating with the mixingcompartment for receiving mixed animal feed for discharge therefrom.Preferably, a dispensing auger is rotatably located in the dispensingcompartment for discharging mixed animal feed therefrom. Advantageously,the dispensing compartment is selectively isolatable from the mixingcompartment for facilitating mixing of the ingredients of the animalfeed therein.

The advantages of the invention are many. The method according to theinvention for preparing a batch of animal feed avoids over-mixing andunder-mixing of the batch of animal feed, and in particular over-mixingand under-mixing of the respective ingredients of the batch of animalfeed is avoided.

By virtue of the fact that the duration of the mixing cycle isdetermined as being equal to the predefined mixing period of theingredient which requires the largest predefined mixing period ensuresthat that ingredient will not be subjected to over-mixing orunder-mixing. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the instantduring the mixing cycle at which each ingredient is to be loaded intothe mixing compartment of the mixer/feeder apparatus is selected so thatat that instant the remaining duration of the mixing cycle issubstantially equal to the predefined mixing period of that ingredient,ensures that each ingredient is mixed for the appropriate mixing period,and is neither subjected to under-mixing nor over-mixing.

By virtue of the fact that the duration of the mixing cycle isdetermined as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor, theduration of the mixing cycle can be accurately defined, thus furtheravoiding over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and the batchof animal feed. Additionally, by determining the duration of the mixingcycle as a function of a number of revolutions of the mixing rotor, aparticularly accurate determination of the mixing cycle is provided,thus further ensuring over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredientsand the batch of animal feed is avoided.

By determining the instants at which the respective ingredients are tobe loaded into the mixing compartment during the mixing cycle as afunction of the operation of the mixing rotor, the accuracy at which theinstants are determined is increased, and is further increased bydetermining the instants at which the respective ingredients are to beloaded into the mixing compartment as a function of the count ofrevolutions of the mixing rotor from the commencement of the mixingcycle.

Taking account of the loading periods required to load the respectiveingredients into the mixing compartment when determining the instants atwhich the respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixingcompartment further avoids under-mixing and over-mixing of theingredients and the batch of animal feed.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixer/feeder wagon for use with themethod according to the invention for preparing a batch of animal feedfrom a plurality of ingredients,

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of themixer/feeder wagon of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mixer/feeder wagon of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4 is a block representation of apparatus used on the mixer/feederwagon of FIG. 1 for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a method according to the invention forpreparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients bymixing the ingredients in a mixer/feeder apparatus will be describedbelow. However, before describing the method according to the inventionfor preparing a batch of animal feed, the mixer/feeder apparatus willfirst be described. In this embodiment of the invention the mixer/feederapparatus comprises a mixer/feeder wagon 1 which is particularlysuitable for mixing ingredients to produce batches of animal feed fordry cows, milking cows, calves, heifers, beef cattle and the like, andis of the general type disclosed in PCT Published ApplicationSpecification No. WO 96/32836 of the present applicant.

The mixer/feeder wagon 1 comprises a chassis 2 which is carried on apair of rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels 3. A tow hitch 6 isprovided at a forward end of the chassis 2 for hitching the mixer/feederwagon 1 to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle. A housing 8 iscarried on the chassis 2 and is supported on weighing means comprisingfour load cells 9 at corresponding corners 10 of the chassis 2 forfacilitating weighing of the ingredients of the animal feed in thehousing 8 as will be described below.

The housing 8 is of steel plate material and defines a hollow interiorregion 12 which forms a mixing compartment 14 within which the animalfeed is mixed, and a dispensing compartment 15 through which mixedanimal feed is dispensed from the mixing compartment 14 through adischarge outlet 16. A mixing rotor, in this embodiment of the inventiona paddle mixer 17 is rotatably mounted in the mixing compartment 14, andis rotatable about a primary rotational axis 18 in the direction of thearrow A for mixing the animal feed in the mixing compartment 14. Adischarge means, namely, a discharge auger 19 rotatably mounted in thedispensing compartment 15 is rotatable about a secondary rotational axis20 in the direction of the arrow B for urging mixed animal feed alongthe dispensing compartment 15 and through the discharge outlet 16. Theprimary and secondary rotational axes 18 and 20 extend parallel to eachother.

A closure plate 21 of steel plate material selectively isolates thedispensing compartment 15 from the mixing compartment 14 during mixingof animal feed in the mixing compartment 14. The closure plate 21 isslideably mounted in guide tracks 22 which are carried on opposite endwalls 23 of the housing 8, and is accommodated through a longitudinallyextending slot 24 extending through the housing 8 between the mixingcompartment 14 and the dispensing compartment 15 from a lower open stateillustrated in FIG. 3 for communicating the dispensing compartment withthe mixing compartment, and a raised closed state illustrated in FIG. 2for isolating the dispensing compartment 15 from the mixing compartment14 during mixing of the animal feed in the mixing compartment 14. Anhydraulic ram (not shown) is provided for urging the closure plate 21between the lower open state and the raised closed state.

A drive transmission indicated generally by the reference numeral 25located at the forward end of the housing 8 transmits drive from agearbox 26 mounted on the chassis 2 to the paddle mixer 17 and thedischarge auger 19. An input shaft 27 to the gearbox 26 is provided forcoupling via a drive shaft (not shown) to the power takeoff shaft of atractor to which the mixer/feeder wagon 1 is hitched for providing driveto the gearbox 26, and in turn to the paddle mixer 17 and the dischargeauger 19. A primary chain drive 29 from the gearbox 26 drives a firstsprocket 30 which is fast on a shaft 31 of the discharge auger 19 fordriving the discharge auger 19. A second sprocket 33 also fast on theshaft 31 drives a secondary chain drive 34 for in turn driving a thirdsprocket 35 which is fast on a shaft 36 of the paddle mixer 17 for inturn driving the paddle mixer 17. The drive transmission 25 is geared togive a gear ratio of approximately 54:1 between the drive from the powertakeoff shaft of a tractor and the rotational speed of the paddle mixer17. It has been found that the ideal rotational speed of the paddlemixer 17 is approximately 8.5 rpm.

A monitoring means, in this embodiment of the invention a proximitysensor 38 is mounted on a framework 39 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 fordetecting a steel bolt 40 on the third sprocket 35 for counting thenumber of revolutions of the third sprocket 35, which is equal to thenumber of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.

A plurality of stationary chopping blades 42 rigidly mounted on asemicircular base 43 of the housing 8 extend upwardly from the base 43into the mixing compartment 14 and co-operate with paddles 44 of thepaddle mixer 17 for chopping fibrous material of relatively long lengthinto shorter lengths. The chopping blades 42 are axially spaced apartalong the base 43, and are arranged in circumferentially staggered pairsin order to minimise the load on the paddle mixer 17 as the paddles 44co-operate with the chopping blades 42 for chopping the fibrousmaterial. The paddles 44 of the paddle mixer 17 define substantiallylongitudinally extending peripheral edges 45 which describe a cylinderas the paddle mixer 17 rotates, the diameter of which is just less thanthe diameter of the semicircular base 43, by approximately 15 mm. Aplurality of axially spaced apart recesses 46 formed into the paddles 44from the peripheral edges 45 accommodate the chopping blades 42therethrough as the paddle mixer 17 rotates. Thus as the paddle mixer 17rotates, the paddles 44 urge the fibrous material against the choppingblades 42 for chopping thereof. It has been found that by subjecting thefibrous material, depending on its average length, to an appropriatenumber of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, the fibrous material canbe reduced to lengths in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

Accordingly, the mixer/feeder wagon 1 according to this embodiment ofthe invention, as well as mixing the ingredients of the batch of animalfeed, simultaneously chops the fibrous material, so that the fibrousmaterial of the mixed batch of animal feed is of length in the range of50 mm to 100 mm.

With the exception of the operation of the closure plate 21 and theprovision of the proximity sensor 38 and the steel bolt 40 on the thirdsprocket 35, the mixer/feeder wagon 1 up to this point is substantiallysimilar to that disclosed in PCT published Application Specification No.WO 96/32836, and operation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 for mixing anddispensing animal feed is also substantially similar to the operation ofthe mixer/feeder wagon disclosed in PCT published ApplicationSpecification No. WO 96/32836, and further description of themixer/feeder wagon and its operation in the mixing and dispensing ofanimal feed should not be required.

Turning now to the method according to the invention for preparing abatch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients, initially theingredients which are available to a farmer and from which batches ofanimal feed are to be produced are analysed in order to assess thenutritional value of the ingredients, the structure of the fibres of thefibrous ingredients, the average length of the fibres of the fibrousingredients, and other relevant properties of the ingredients. Theweights of the respective ingredients required to prepare a feed rationfor a single one of the animals is then determined. A mixing regime of amixing cycle for mixing the ingredients is then prepared based on thetype of the ingredients, the type of mixer/feeder wagon to be used, andthe type of animals to be fed. The mixing regime is determined in orderto produce a homogenous mix of the ingredients, while at the same timeavoiding over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and the batchof animal feed. In particular, the mixing regime is determined so thatat the end of the mixing cycle the fibres of the fibrous ingredients arewithin a desired range of lengths.

In accordance with the method according to the invention, the mixingperiods during the mixing cycle, during which the respective ingredientsare to be subjected to mixing in the mixing compartment 14 of themixer/feeder wagon 1 are determined in order to obtain a homogenouslymixed batch of animal feed, while at the same time avoiding under-mixingand over-mixing. In this embodiment of the invention the mixing periodto which each of the ingredients is to be subjected is determined as afunction of the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to whichthat ingredient is to be subjected during the mixing cycle. Thus thenumber of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1to which each ingredient is to be subjected is determined. In the caseof the fibrous ingredients, the number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 to which each of the fibrous ingredients is to be subjected isdetermined based on producing the fibres of the fibrous ingredients tobe within a desired range of lengths, and also to ensure homogenousmixing of the fibrous ingredients with the other ingredients. In thecase of the non-fibrous ingredients, the number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 to which those non-fibrous ingredients are to besubjected is determined in order to ensure a final homogenously mixedbatch of animal feed.

Having determined the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 towhich each of the ingredients are to be subjected, the duration of themixing cycle is determined. The duration of the mixing cycle isdetermined as a function of the number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 to which the batch of animal feed is to be subjected in themixing compartment 14 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1. The ingredient whichis to be subjected to the largest number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 during the mixing cycle is selected, and the duration of themixing cycle is determined as the number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 to which that ingredient is to be subjected. In general, theingredient which is to be subjected to the largest number of revolutionsof the paddle mixer 17 will be one of the fibrous ingredients. Although,in general, to damp down dust, particularly in the case of powderingredients, such as concentrates and to avoid any danger of loss of anyof such powder ingredients, one of the liquid ingredients is the firstof the ingredients to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.

With the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 of the mixingcycle determined, the instants during the mixing cycle at which therespective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14 are determined. In this embodiment of the invention, theinstant during the mixing cycle at which each of the remainingingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 is determinedas a function of the count of the number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle. The counts of therevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 during the mixing cycle from thecommencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective remainingingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 aredetermined so that the count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17at which each ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14is such that the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 remainingin the mixing cycle at that count is equal to the number of revolutionsof the paddle mixer 17 to which that ingredient is to be subjected.Thus, throughout the mixing cycle each ingredient is subjected to theappropriate number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, therebyover-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and the batch of animalfeed is avoided.

The loading of each of the ingredients into the mixing compartment 14takes some time, and when determining the mixing periods during whichthe respective ingredients are to be subjected to mixing in the mixingcompartment, account is taken of this. This, in turn, is taken intoaccount when determining the counts of the revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which therespective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment.

When the weights of the respective ingredients have been determined toproduce an animal feed ration for one animal and the mixing regime hasbeen determined, this data is given to the farmer so that a batch ofanimal feed can be produced for feeding to a herd of animals. The datacontaining the weights of the respective ingredients and the mixingregime is provided in electronic format suitable for loading into adevice 50, which will be described below, which is mounted on themixer/feeder wagon 1 for monitoring the operation of the mixer/feederwagon 1 and for indicating when the respective ingredients of the batchof animal feed are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 of themixer/feeder wagon 1.

Once the farmer has the weights of the ingredients to produce a feedration for a single animal along with the mixing regime, the farmer ismerely required to multiply the weights of the respective ingredients toproduce a feed ration for a single animal by the number of animals to befed with the batch of animal feed, in order to determine the totalweight of each ingredient required to produce the batch of animal feed.This operation is carried out by the device 50.

The device 50 which is mounted on the mixer/feeder wagon 1 stores theweights of the ingredients to produce a feed ration for a single animalas well as the mixing regime in electronic format, and monitors theoperation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1. In response to the monitoring ofthe operation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1, the device 50 determines theinstants during a mixing cycle of a batch of the animal feed at whichthe respective ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into themixer/feeder wagon 1 based on the count of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17.

Before describing the device 50 in detail, the following three examplesset out particulars of ingredients and the weights thereof as well asthe appropriate mixing regime for preparing respective batches of animalfeed for one hundred animals by the method according to the invention.In the tables of the respective examples, column 1 of each tableincludes particulars of the respective ingredients of the batch ofanimal feed of that example. Column 2 shows the weight required of eachingredient per animal. Column 3 shows the total weight of eachingredient to produce the batch of animal feed to feed a herd of onehundred animals. Column 4 shows the number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 to which each ingredient is to be subjected in the mixingcompartment 14. Column 5 shows the count of the revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which eachof the ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.

EXAMPLE 1

Revolution count from Weight commencement of the per Total Total mixingcycle at which animal weight number of the ingredient is to IngredientKgs Kgs revolutions be loaded Molasses 1 100 106 0 Straw 0.7 70 96 10Minerals 0.3 30 86 20 Sodawheat 4.9 490 76 30 Concentrate 5 500 66 40Silage 3^(rd) cut 12 1200 56 50 Silage 1^(st) cut 17 1700 18 88

A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the table ofExample 1 is particularly suitable for feeding to milking cows.

In Example 1 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred and sixrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17. The molasses, which is a liquidingredient, is the first of the ingredients to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14 at the commencement of the mixing cycle. The molasses isloaded first in order to dampen down dust and to ensure that anyingredients, such as concentrates which may be in powder form are notlost. The next ingredient which is to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14 is the main fibrous ingredient, which in this case isstraw, and is loaded into the mixing compartment 14 at the count of tenrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixingcycle. The reason ten counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 areallowed between the commencement of the mixing cycle and thecommencement of loading of the straw is to allow time for the loading ofthe molasses. The loading of the molasses lasts for a duration ofapproximately ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. Therefore, as soonas loading of the molasses has been completed, the straw is immediatelyloaded into the mixing compartment at the count of ten revolutions ofthe paddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing cycle. In thisexample the straw requires to be subjected to ninety-six revolutions ofthe paddle mixer 17, and effectively is the ingredient which requires tobe subjected to the maximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer17. However, since it is desirable to load a liquid ingredient first todampen down dust and powder ingredients, the molasses is the firstingredient to be loaded into the mixing compartment. Accordingly, inthis embodiment of the invention the duration of the mixing cycle whichis based on the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to whichthe straw is to be subjected plus the loading time of the molasses,namely, ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, thus giving a totalmixing cycle duration of one hundred and six revolutions of the paddlemixer 17. The remaining ingredients are loaded into the mixingcompartment at the counts set forth in column 5 of the table of Example1 so that they are each subjected to the appropriate number ofrevolutions during the mixing cycle to which they should be subjected inorder to produce a homogenously mixed batch of animal feed, and to avoidunder-mixing and over-mixing of the ingredients and the animal feed.These mixing periods to which the ingredients are to be subjected duringthe mixing cycle are set forth in column 4 of the table of Example 1.

EXAMPLE 2

Revolution count from Weight commencement of the per Total Total mixingcycle at which animal weight number of the ingredient is to IngredientKgs Kgs revolutions be loaded Molasses 1 100 188 0 Straw 5 500 178 10Minerals 0.4 40 168 20 Sodawheat 1.25 125 158 30 Concentrate 1.25 125148 40 Silage 18 1800 18 170

A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the table ofExample 2 is particularly suitable for feeding to dry cows.

In Example 2 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred andeighty-eight revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. In the table of Example2 the straw is the ingredient which effectively requires to be subjectedto the maximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. However, asin the case of Example 1, the molasses ingredient is loaded into themixing compartment 14 prior to loading of the straw. Ten revolutions ofthe paddle mixer 17 are allowed in order to provide sufficient time forloading of the molasses. Accordingly, in Example 2 the duration of themixing cycle is computed by the total number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 to which the straw is to be subjected plus theadditional ten revolutions to facilitate loading of the molasses. Thestraw is to be subjected to one hundred and seventy-eight revolutions ofthe paddle mixer 17, and therefore the duration of the mixing cycle isone hundred and seventy-eight revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.

EXAMPLE 3

Revolution count from Weight commencement of the per Total Total mixingcycle at which animal weight number of the ingredient is to IngredientKgs Kgs revolutions be loaded Pot ale 2 200 139 0 Potatoes 4 400 129 10Straw 2 200 46 93 Concentrate 2 200 36 103 Cereals 6 600 18 121

A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the table ofExample 3 is particularly suitable for feeding to beef cows.

In Example 3 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred andthirty-nine revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. In the table of Example3 the potato ingredients effectively require to be subjected to themaximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, namely, onehundred and twenty-nine revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. However, inthis case the pot ale ingredient, which is a liquid ingredient, isloaded into the mixing compartment 14 prior to loading of the potatoes.The delay of ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from thecommencement of the mixing cycle, at which loading of the pot alecommences is to allow sufficient time for the pot ale to be loaded intothe mixing compartment 14 prior to loading of the potatoes. Accordingly,the duration of the mixing cycle of the batch of animal feed of Example3 is determined by the maximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer17 to which the potatoes are to be subjected, plus the ten revolutionsof the paddle mixer 17 to allow for loading of the pot ale. Thus, theduration of the mixing cycle is one hundred and thirty-nine revolutionsof the paddle mixer 17. In Example 3 the straw is to be subjected toforty-six revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, and is thus loaded intothe mixing compartment 14 at a count of ninety-three revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle.

Turning now to the device 50, the device 50 comprises a housing 51 whichis mounted on the housing 8 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 by a swivelablebracket 52. A visual display screen 54 located in the housing 51displays data to an operator of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 which includesa display of the ingredients sequentially of the batch of animal feed tobe mixed, the weight of each ingredient to make up the batch of animalfeed, the instants during the mixing cycle at which the respectiveingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 of themixer/feeder wagon 1 in order to avoid under-mixing and over-mixing ofthe respective ingredients, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4, a signal processing means, in thisembodiment of the invention provided by a microprocessor 55, is locatedwithin the housing 51 for controlling the operation of the device 50. Afirst storing means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by asuitable memory, typically a random access memory (RAM) 56, stores datarelating to the ingredients of the animal feed, the weights of theingredients to make up a feed ration for one animal, the total number ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 which constitutes a mixing cycle, andthe counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 during the mixingcycle from the commencement thereof at which the respective ingredientsare to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.

A first input means comprising a first interface 58, which may be aparallel or serial interface, includes a first input port 59 in thehousing 51 for uploading through the microprocessor 55 into the RAM 56,the data relating to the ingredients of the animal feed, the weightsthereof to produce a feed ration for one animal, the total number ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 which constitutes a mixing cycle, andthe counts of the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from thecommencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients areto be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. In this embodiment of theinvention the first input port 59 is a USB port. A second input meanscomprising a keypad 60 in the housing 51 facilitates manual inputting ofdata into the microprocessor 55 and for programming the microprocessor55. Programming of the microprocessor 55 can also be carried out throughthe first interface 58. In this embodiment of the invention the numberof animals to be fed by the batch of animal feed is inputted to themicroprocessor 55 by an operator of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 through thekeypad 60. The microprocessor 55 is programmed to compute the totalweight of each ingredient from the data stored in the RAM 56 and theinputted number of animals for which the batch of animal feed is to beprepared.

A second interface means comprising a second interface 62 which includesa second input port 63 in the housing 51 is provided through whichsignals from the load cells 9, which are indicative of the weight of theingredients currently in the mixing compartment 14 are inputted to themicroprocessor 55, and through which signals from the proximity sensor38, which are indicative of a count of the number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17, are inputted to the microprocessor 55. A cable 64 fromthe load cells 9 couples the load cells 9 to the second input port 63.In this embodiment of the invention signals from the proximity sensor 38are applied to an electronic counter unit 61 which is located on theframework 39 through a cable 65. The counter unit 61 continuously andcumulatively counts the revolutions of the third sprocket 35, and inturn the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. The cumulative count of therevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 is read by the microprocessor 55 fromthe electronic count unit 61 through the second interface 62 and thesecond input port 63 through a cable 68 which couples the electroniccounter unit 61 to the second input port 63 of the device 50.

An alerting means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by asiren 67 which is mounted on the housing 8 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1is operated under the control of the microprocessor 55 of the device 50for indicating the instants during the mixing cycle at which therespective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14,as well as for indicating when the appropriate weights of the respectiveingredients have been loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and forindicating when the mixing cycle has been completed. The siren 67 isalso operated under the control of the microprocessor 55 for indicatingwhen the end of the mixing cycle is imminent, and when only a predefinedamount of each ingredient still remains to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14. The siren 67 is operated by a pulsed signal outputted bythe microprocessor 55 when the end of the mixing cycle is approaching,as well as when only the predefined amount of each ingredient stillremains to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. The frequency ofthe pulsed signal progressively increases as the end of the mixing cycleis approaching, until the end of the mixing cycle has been reached. Atwhich stage the siren 67 is continuously operated by a continuous signaloutputted by the microprocessor 55 for a period of five seconds. In thisembodiment of the invention the siren 67 is operated by the pulsedsignal when only two revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 remain tocomplete the mixing cycle. Similarly, as the weight of each ingredientbeing loaded into the mixing compartment approaches the total weightrequired of that ingredient, the frequency of the pulsed signal from themicroprocessor 55 to the siren 67 increases until the loading of thatingredient has been completed, at which stage the pulsed signal becomesa continuous signal for a period of five seconds to operate the siren 67continuously for five seconds indicting that loading of that ingredienthas been completed. In this embodiment of the invention the pulsedsignal is outputted when the outstanding amount of each ingredient stillto be loaded into the mixing compartment reaches the predefined level,which in this case is approximately 15% of the total weight of thatingredient.

The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that after the device 50 has beenactivated, the microprocessor 55 outputs a signal to the visual displayscreen 54 to display a message requesting inputting of the number ofanimals for which the batch of animal feed is to be prepared. On thenumber of animals being inputted through the keypad 60, themicroprocessor 55 is programmed to look up the data relating to theingredients of the animal feed stored in the RAM 56, and to compute thetotal weight of each ingredient required to prepare the batch of animalfeed based on the inputted number of animals. The microprocessor 55 isprogrammed also to look up the total number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 which constitutes the duration of the mixing cycle stored inthe RAM 56, as well as the counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the respectiveingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. With thisdata computed and obtained, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to thenoutput a first one of a plurality of first signals to the visual displayscreen 54 which is indicative of the identity of the first of theingredients to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14, together withthe total weight of that ingredient to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14. The identity of the first ingredient to be loaded intothe mixing compartment 14 and the total weight thereof aresimultaneously displayed on the visual display screen 54.

The microprocessor 55 is programmed to read signals from the load cells9 and to compute the weight of each ingredient currently in the mixingcompartment 14 from the signals from the load cell 9. The microprocessor55 is also programmed to read signals from the electronic counter unit61 and to compute the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 towhich the ingredients have been subjected from the commencement of amixing cycle. Additionally, as the respective ingredients are beingloaded into the mixing compartment 14, the microprocessor 55 isprogrammed to compute the outstanding weight of the ingredient which iscurrently being loaded into the mixing compartment 14 and which stillhas to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. The microprocessor 55outputs an amount outstanding signal to the visual display screen 54,which is continuously updated, and which operates the visual displayscreen 54 to display the outstanding weight of the ingredient which iscurrently being loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and which stillhas to be loaded, in a countdown manner. In other words, the outstandingweight of each ingredient still to be loaded into the mixing compartment14 as that ingredient is being loaded is counted down on the visualdisplay screen 54.

The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that on the completion of loadingof the first and subsequent ingredients up to and including the secondlast ingredient to be loaded, the microprocessor 55 from the signalsread from the electronic counter unit 61 identifies the count ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixingcycle at which the next ingredient is to be loaded, and outputs a secondsignal to the visual display screen 54 and to the siren 67, which causesthe visual display screen 54 to flash and the siren 67 to continuouslysound in order to indicate that loading of the next ingredient into themixing compartment 14 is to commence. The siren is continuously operatedfor five seconds, and the display screen 54 is operated to flash forfive seconds.

After the last of the ingredients has been loaded into the mixingcompartment, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to output a countdownsignal to the visual display screen 54, which is continuously updatedfor operating the visual display screen 54 to count down the number ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to the end of the mixing cycle. Whenthe number of counts of the paddle mixer 17 remaining to the end of themixing cycle is two revolutions, the microprocessor 55 is programmed tooutput a first warning signal which is provided by the pulsed signal tothe siren 67, the frequency of which increases until the mixing cyclehas been completed. At which stage the microprocessor 55 outputs amixing cycle complete signal, which is a continuous signal to the siren67 for five seconds, thereby causing the siren 67 to continuouslyoperate for five seconds.

The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that when the loading of eachingredient has been completed, the microprocessor 55 outputs a countdownsignal to the visual display screen 54 which is continuously updated andwhich displays the outstanding number of revolutions of the paddle mixer17 to the count at which the next ingredient is to be loaded into themixing compartment 14.

When the amount of each ingredient still to be loaded into the mixingcompartment reaches the predefined amount, which as discussed above isapproximately 15% of the total weight of that ingredient, themicroprocessor 55 is programmed to output a second warning signal to thevisual display screen 54 which causes the visual display screen 54 toflash, in order to warn the operator that the loading of that particularingredient is almost completed. The microprocessor 55 also outputs asecond warning signal to the siren 67, which is one of the pulsedsignal, the frequency of which increases as completion of the loading ofthat ingredient approaches until the weight of that ingredient loadedinto the mixing compartment is substantially equal to the requiredweight of that ingredient. At which stage, as discussed above, thesignal to the siren becomes continuous and is held on the siren 67 forfive seconds, thus indicating that the loading of that ingredient iscomplete.

The microprocessor 55 is programmed to identify the commencement of themixing cycle from signals read from the load cells 9. Once the signalsfrom the load cells 9 are indicative of the first ingredient beingloaded into the mixing compartment 14, the microprocessor 55 determinesthe commencement of the mixing cycle and commences to count the numberof revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the signals read from theelectronic counter unit 61. The microprocessor 55 is similarlyprogrammed to identify the commencement of loading of each of the otheringredients in a similar manner.

Additionally, on completion of the loading of each ingredient into themixing compartment 14, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to output thenext first signal to the visual display screen 54, which operates thevisual display screen to display the identity of the next ingredient andthe total weight thereof to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.

A strobe light 66 is also mounted on the housing 8 of the mixer/feederwagon 1 and is operated under the control of the microprocessor 55 ofthe device 50 for indicating when loading of each ingredient has beencompleted, and when the mixing cycle has been completed. The strobelight 66 is powered under the control of the microprocessor 55 for aperiod of five seconds when the loading of each ingredient has beencompleted, and at the end of the mixing cycle. However, it is envisagedin many cases, the strobe light may be omitted.

A second storing means for storing the actual weights of the respectiveingredients loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and the actual mixingregime carried out by the operator in preparing the batch of animalfeed, in this embodiment of the invention is also provided by the RAM56. However, if desired, a separate storing means as well as the RAM 56may be provided to store this data. The microprocessor 55 is programmedto compute the actual weight of each ingredient loaded into the mixingcompartment 14 from signals read from the load cells 9. Additionally,the microprocessor 55 is programmed to determine the instants during themixing cycle based on the count of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 atwhich loading of the respective ingredients into the mixing compartment14 commenced. The microprocessor 55 determines the count of therevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixingcycle at which loading of each ingredient into the mixing compartment 14commenced from signals from the load cells 9 and the electronic counterunit 61. The microprocessor 55 is also programmed to store the actualweights of the respective ingredients and the corresponding counts ofthe revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of themixing cycle at which loading of the respective ingredients into themixing compartment 14 commenced in the RAM 56. At appropriate intervalsthis data may be downloaded through the first interface 58 under thecontrol of the microprocessor 55 for subsequent comparison with theideal mixing regime, and also for comparison with results of, forexample, milk yield for milking cows or weight gain from beef cattle fedby the batch of animal feed against ideal milk yields or ideal weightgains, as the case may be, which would be obtained from an ideal batchof animal feed.

In use, with the count of the total number of revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 which constitutes the mixing cycle, the particulars of theingredients, and the weights thereof to produce a feed ration for asingle animal, together with the counts of the revolutions of the paddlemixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which therespective ingredients of the batch of animal feed are to be loaded intothe mixing compartment 14 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 stored in the RAM56, the mixer/feeder wagon 1 is ready for use.

When it is desired to mix a batch of animal feed, the mixer/feeder wagon1 is operated with the closure plate 21 in the raised closed state andthe paddle mixer rotating. The operator activates the device 50, whichdisplays a request on the visual display screen 54 requesting the numberof animals to be fed with the batch of animal feed to be entered. Thenumber of animals to be fed from the batch of animal feed is enteredthrough the keypad 60. The microprocessor 55 computes the total weightof each ingredient required to prepare the batch of animal feed based onthe entered number of animals. The first ingredient which is to beloaded into the mixing compartment 14 and the weight of that ingredientare simultaneously displayed on the visual display screen 54 under thecontrol of the microprocessor 55. The microprocessor 55 reads signalsfrom the load cells 9 to determine when loading of the first ingredienthas commenced. Alternatively, the microprocessor 55 may be programmed toenable the operator to indicate that he is ready to commence loading ofthe first ingredient by depressing an appropriate one of the keys of thekeypad 60, thus indicating to the microprocessor 55 that loading of thefirst of the ingredients is about to commence. On determining thatloading of the first ingredient has commenced either as a result of thesignals from the load cells 9 or an input through the keypad 60, themicroprocessor 55 reads the signals from the electronic counter unit 61,and commences to count the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from thecommencement of the mixing cycle.

The microprocessor 55 reads the signals from the load cells 9 andcomputes the weight of the first ingredient currently loaded into themixing compartment 14, and subtracts this value from the total weight ofthe first ingredient to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 inorder to determine the outstanding weight of the first ingredient stillto be loaded into the mixing compartment. This value is displayed on thevisual display screen 54, and is continuously updated, thus countingdown the weight of the first ingredient still to be loaded into themixing compartment 14.

When the loading of the first ingredient into the mixing compartment 14is nearing completion, in other words, when only the predefined amountof the first ingredient still has to be loaded into the mixingcompartment 14, the microprocessor 55 causes the visual display screen54 to flash, and also commences to output the pulsed signal to the siren67, which progressively increases in frequency until the weight of thefirst ingredient in the mixing compartment is substantially equal to therequired weight of the first ingredient. At which stage the signaloutputted by the microprocessor 55 to operate the siren 67 becomes acontinuous signal, and is held on the siren 67 for five seconds toindicate that loading of the first ingredient is complete. Thecontinuous signal is also applied to and held on the strobe light 66 tooperate the strobe light 66 continuously for five seconds to alsoindicate that loading of the first ingredient is complete.

The microprocessor 55 then operates the visual display screen 54 tosimultaneously display the identity of the second ingredient and theweight thereof to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. Themicroprocessor 55 also determines the number of revolutions still to becompleted before loading of the second ingredient into the mixingcompartment 14 is to commence, and the microprocessor 55 operates thevisual display screen 54 to count down the number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 to the count at which the second ingredient is to beloaded into the mixing compartment 14. When the count of the revolutionsof the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle atwhich the second ingredient is to be loaded has been reached, themicroprocessor 55 outputs the second signal to the siren 67, which isthe continuous signal for five seconds, thus indicating that loading ofthe second ingredient is to be commenced.

The operator then immediately commences loading in the secondingredient, and the microprocessor 55 reads the signals from the loadcells 9 and computes the current weight of the second ingredient whichhas been loaded into the mixing compartment 14. This value is subtractedfrom the total value of the second ingredient to be loaded into themixing compartment 14, in order to produce the outstanding weight of thesecond ingredient still to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. Thevalue of the outstanding weight of the second ingredient still to beloaded into the mixing compartment 14 is displayed on the visual displayscreen 54, which is continuously updated, and counted down. As loadingof the second ingredient into the mixing compartment 14 is approachingcompletion, in other words, when the predefined amount of the secondingredient is still to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14, themicroprocessor 55 operates the visual display screen 54 to flash, andoutputs the pulsed signal to the siren 67, the frequency of which isprogressively increased until the weight of the second ingredient whichhas been loaded into the mixing compartment 14 is substantially equal tothe required weight of the second ingredient. At which stage, the pulsedsignal becomes continuous for five seconds. The continuous signal isalso applied to the strobe light 66 for five seconds.

And so loading of the respective ingredients of the batch of animal feedinto the mixing compartment 14 continues until the last of theingredients of the batch to be loaded has been loaded into the mixingcompartment 14. At which stage, the microprocessor 55 determines theremaining number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which theanimal feed is to be subjected in the mixing compartment 14, and thenumber of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to complete the mixingcycle of the batch of animal feed is displayed on the visual displayscreen 54, and is continuously updated and counted down. As the end ofthe mixing cycle is approaching, in this case when the number ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer 17 remaining in the mixing cycle is tworevolutions, the microprocessor 15 flashes the display on the visualdisplay screen 54, and outputs the pulsed signal to the siren 67, thefrequency of which progressively increases until the mixing cycle hasbeen completed, at which stage the pulsed signal becomes a continuoussignal for five seconds. The continuous signal is also applied to thestrobe light 66 for five seconds.

If on completion of loading of any one of the ingredients, the nextingredient is to be immediately loaded, the microprocessor 55immediately at the end of loading of the just loaded ingredient operatesthe visual display screen 54 to simultaneously display the identity ofthe next ingredient and the weight thereof to be loaded and flashes thevisual display screen 54. The microprocessor also outputs a continuoussignal to the siren 67 to operate the siren continuously for fiveseconds.

The actual particulars and the actual mixing regime of each batch ofanimal feed mixed in the mixer/feeder wagon 1 is recorded and stored inthe RAM 56, and time and date stamped for future comparison with anideal batch of animal feed as discussed above. During the mixing cycle,the microprocessor 55 computes the actual weight of each ingredientloaded into the mixing compartment 4 from the signals from the loadcells 9 and from the signals from the electronic counter unit 61. Themicroprocessor 55 is programmed to compute the weight of each ingredientloaded into the mixing compartment 14 by reading signals from the loadcells 9 between the count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer atwhich that ingredient should have been loaded and the count at which thenext ingredient is to be loaded. The microprocessor 55 stores therespective actual weights of the respective ingredients in the RAM 56.The respective weights are time and date stamped and cross-referencedwith the particulars of the batch.

Additionally, the microprocessor 55 by monitoring the signals from theload cells 9 and the signals from the electronic counter unit 61determines the counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from thecommencement of the mixing cycle at which loading of the respectiveingredients into the mixing compartment 14 commenced, and this data isalso stored and cross-referenced with the respective ingredients in theRAM 56 and is similarly time and date stamped and cross-referenced withthe particulars of the batch. The total number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 to which the batch of animal feed was subjected duringthe mixing cycle, in other words, the total number of revolutions of thepaddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle to the actualend of the mixing cycle is also recorded and stored in the RAM 56, andis time and date stamped and cross-referenced with the particulars ofthe batch.

As discussed above, the microprocessor 55 may be programmed to allow theoperator manually input a signal to indicate when loading of eachingredient is about to commence. Such a signal could be inputted throughthe keypad 60. This signal could be used for determining thecommencement of loading of each ingredient instead of determining thecommencement of loading of each ingredient from signals from the loadcells 9 and the electronic counter unit 61.

On completion of mixing of the batch of animal feed, the mixer/feederwagon 1 is trailed to the location at which the animal feed is to bedispensed. On reaching the location at which the batch of animal feed isto be dispensed, the closure plate 21 is operated from the raised closedstate to the lower open state, and as the paddle mixer 17 is rotated inthe direction of the arrow A, the mixed animal feed is urged into thedispensing compartment 15 and in turn urged along the dispensingcompartment 15 by the discharge auger 19 through the discharge outlet16.

While the method according to the invention for preparing a batch ofanimal feed from a plurality of ingredients has been described for usewith a specific type of mixer/feeder apparatus, namely, the mixer/feederwagon 1, the method according to the invention may be used inconjunction with any other suitable type of mixer/feeder apparatus, beit a trailable mixer/feeder wagon, a self-powered mixer/feeder wagon, ora stationary mixer/feeder apparatus, of the type which would be groundmounted.

It is also envisaged that the method according to the invention forpreparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients may beused in conjunction with a mixer/feeder apparatus which does not includechopping blades, for example, a mixer/feeder wagon of the type disclosedin British Patent Specification No. 2,139,911. In which case, the mixingcycle would require a larger number of revolutions of the paddle mixer,and in particular, the fibrous ingredients may require to be subjectedto a larger number of revolutions of the paddle mixer. However, incertain cases, where the mixer/feeder apparatus does not include achopping function during mixing of the ingredients in the mixingcompartment, pre-chopping of some of the fibrous ingredients of whichthe fibres are of relatively long lengths may be required.

While specific examples of batches of animal feed have been described,it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the methodaccording to the invention for preparing a batch of animal feed from aplurality of ingredients may be used with any other suitable ingredientsfor producing any other suitable batches of animal feed. Needless tosay, the number of counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer whichconstitutes a mixing cycle will vary, depending on the ingredients ofthe batches of animal feed, the type of mixer/feeder apparatus and thetype of the animals to be fed, and the counts of the revolutions of thepaddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing cycle will also varydepending on the ingredients of the batch of animal feed, the type ofmixer/feeder apparatus and the type of the animals to be fed.

While the instants at which the respective ingredients are to be loadedinto the mixing compartment from the commencement of the mixing cyclehave been identified as being respective counts of revolutions of thepaddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing cycle, the instantscould be time defined if desired. However, by defining the instants atwhich the ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment bythe count of revolutions of the paddle mixer from the commencement ofthe mixing cycle, a more accurate mixing regime is defined, since thespeed at which the rotor rotates may not be constant, and may vary frombatch to batch, depending on the speed of the power takeoff shaft of thetractor or towing vehicle from which drive is provided to the paddlemixer. Additionally, the duration of the mixing cycle may be timedefined, instead of being defined as a function of the number ofrevolutions of the paddle mixer.

While the alerting means has been described as being provided by both astrobe light and a siren, any other suitable alerting means may beprovided, and in certain cases, it is envisaged that the alerting meansmay be provided by flashing of the visual display screen only. In othercases, it is envisaged that only one of the siren and strobe light maybe provided, which preferably would be the siren.

While the device 50 according to the invention has been described forstoring the ingredients and the weights thereof for producing an animalfeed ration for one animal together with the mixing regime for the batchof animal feed, it is envisaged that particulars and the mixing regimeof many different animal feed rations for producing many differentbatches of animal feed, for the same or different animals, and/or foruse in different seasons, may be stored in the device 50, andparticulars of the appropriate batch and its mixing regime would beselected by inputting an appropriate select signal through the keypad ofthe device 50. Typically, the batches could be identified and selectedby numbers.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the mixing cycle completesignal which is outputted by the device 50 may be adapted and coupled toan appropriate part of the drive transmission of the mixer/feeder wagon1 for disengaging the paddle mixer 17 from the drive, in order to stoprotation of the paddle mixer at the end of the mixing cycle. Forexample, the paddle mixer may be driven by the drive transmissionthrough a clutch, which would be disengaged in response to the mixingcycle complete signal from the device 50.

While the device 50 has been described for storing the actual weights ofthe respective ingredients of a batch of animal feed loaded into themixing compartment, together with the mixing regime to which theingredients of the batch of animal feed were subjected for subsequentanalysis and comparison, while this is preferable and is particularlyadvantageous, in some embodiments of the invention the device 50 may beprovided without such a storing function.

Additionally, while the mixing rotor has been described as comprising aparticular s type of paddle mixer, any other suitable paddle mixer, andindeed, any other suitable mixing rotor may be provided.

Additionally, while the mixer/feeder wagon has been described ascomprising a dispensing compartment and a dispensing auger, thedispensing compartment and the dispensing auger may be omitted.

While the monitoring means for monitoring the, operation of the mixingrotor has been described as being a proximity sensor for effectivelydirectly monitoring the rotation of the mixing rotor by monitoring therotation of the third sprocket, it will be appreciated that any suitablemeans for monitoring the rotation of the mixing rotor may be used.Needless to say, it will be appreciated that where a proximity sensor isused, the proximity sensor may be used to monitor the rotation of any ofthe shafts or sprockets of the drive transmission, and the resultingvalue would be modified to take account of the gear ratio between therotational speed of the mixing rotor and the shaft or sprocket or othercomponent of the drive transmission, the rotation of which would bemonitored.

1-51. (canceled)
 52. A method for preparing a batch of animal feed froma plurality of ingredients requiring respective predefined mixingperiods during a mixing cycle in a mixer/feeder apparatus of the typecomprising a mixing compartment within which a mixing rotor is rotatablymounted for mixing the ingredients therein, the method comprising:selecting the ingredient requiring the largest predefined mixing period,and determining the duration of the mixing cycle as the predefinedmixing period required by the selected ingredient requiring the largestpredefined mixing period, determining a plurality of instants at whichthe respective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixingcompartment of the mixer/feeder apparatus during the mixing cycle, eachinstant of the respective determined instants being determined so thatthe remaining duration of the mixing cycle at that instant issubstantially equal to the predefined mixing period of the correspondingingredient, loading the selected ingredient with the largest predefinedmixing period into the mixing compartment at the commencement of themixing cycle, and sequentially loading the remaining ingredients intothe mixing compartment at respective corresponding determined instantsduring the mixing cycle.
 53. A method as claimed in claim 52 in whichthe commencement of the mixing cycle is determined as being thecommencement of loading of the ingredient requiring the largestpredefined number of revolutions of the mixing rotor into the mixingcompartment.
 54. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which eachdetermined instant is determined as a function of a duration from thecommencement of the mixing cycle.
 55. A method as claimed in claim 52 inwhich the duration of the mixing cycle is determined as a function ofthe operation of the mixing rotor, and each determined instant at whichone of the ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment isdetermined as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor.
 56. Amethod as claimed in claim 55 in which the duration of the mixing cycleis determined as a function of a number of revolutions of the mixingrotor, and each determined instant at which the corresponding one of theingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment is determined asa function of a number of revolutions of the mixing rotor from thecommencement of the mixing cycle, and the count of the revolutions ofthe mixing rotor of the mixing cycle commences at the commencement ofloading of the ingredient requiring the largest predefined number ofrevolutions of the mixing rotor into the mixing compartment.
 57. Amethod as claimed in claim 52 in which the ingredient which is to besubjected to the largest predefined mixing period is a fibrousingredient.
 58. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the fibrousingredient of the batch of animal feed is subjected to chopping in themixing compartment during mixing thereof in order to reduce the lengthof the fibres of the fibrous ingredient to lie in the range of 25 mm to100 mm.
 59. A method as claimed in claim 58 in which the predefinedmixing period for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order that thefibre length of the fibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing cyclelies in the range of 50 mm to 80 mm.
 60. A method as claimed in claim 57in which the predefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredient isdetermined in order to avoid over-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.61. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the predefined mixingperiod for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order to avoidunder-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.
 62. A method as claimed inclaim 57 in which the predefined mixing period to which the fibrousingredient is to be subjected lies in the range of 30 revolutions to 300revolutions of the mixing rotor.
 63. A method as claimed in claim 57 inwhich the predefined mixing period to which the fibrous ingredient is tobe subjected lies in the range of 100 revolutions to 200 revolutions ofthe mixing rotor.
 64. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which theingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises one or more of thefollowing ingredients: long cut grass silage, short cut grass silage,maize silage, hay, straw, soda grain, a nutritional additive, anutritional concentrate, an energy additive, and an energy concentrate.65. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the instants at which therespective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment aredetermined to allow for a loading period during which each ingredient isbeing loaded into the mixing compartment.
 66. A method as claimed inclaim 52 in which one of a visually perceptible and an aurallyperceptible signal is produced to indicate one or more of the following:the instants at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded intothe mixing compartment during the mixing cycle, the end of the mixingcycle, the imminent approach of the end of the mixing cycle, when theweight of each ingredient loaded into the mixing compartment is equal toa required weight of that ingredient to prepare the batch of animalfeed, the imminent completion of loading of each ingredient into themixing compartment.
 67. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which theweight of the respective ingredients in the mixing compartment ismonitored during loading of the ingredients therein, and the number ofrevolutions of the mixing rotor are monitored during the mixing cycle.68. A method as claimed in claim 67 in which a device is provided fordetermining the instants at which the respective ingredients are to beloaded into the mixing compartment in response to monitoring of themixing rotor.
 69. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which theingredients of the batch of animal feed are mixed in the mixingcompartment by a mixing rotor comprising a paddle mixer.
 70. A method asclaimed in claim 69 in which the paddle mixer co-operates with achopping means for chopping a fibrous ingredient during mixing thereof71. A method as claimed in claim 70 in which the chopping meanscomprises a plurality of stationary chopping blades axially spaced apartrelative to the rotational axis of the mixing rotor.